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1 Top Dividend Growth Stock to Buy Right Now | The Motley Fool

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by The Motley Fool
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Johnson & Johnson: The Dividend Growth Leader You Can’t Afford to Miss

In a rapidly shifting equity landscape, investors are increasingly turning to dividend‑growth stocks for both stability and compounding returns. The Motley Fool’s recent feature, “1 Top Dividend Growth Stock to Buy Right Now,” singles out Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) as the premier choice for those seeking a reliable dividend payer that consistently rewards shareholders over the long haul.

The Dividend‑Growth Investing Playbook

The article begins with a concise primer on dividend‑growth investing. Dividend growth investors prioritize companies that not only pay dividends but also raise them year over year. The strategy rests on two core premises:

1. Sustained Earnings Power – Firms that can grow earnings consistently are more likely to sustain and increase dividend payouts.
2. Reinvestment Discipline – Companies that balance dividend increases with smart reinvestment in growth opportunities tend to preserve shareholder value.

An embedded link takes readers to a deeper dive into the fundamentals of dividend‑growth investing. The reference piece explains that a robust dividend‑growth strategy typically looks for:

• A long track record of dividend hikes (the article notes that “58 consecutive years of dividend increases” is a hallmark of an elite dividend‑growth stock).
• A payout ratio that stays within a sustainable range (generally between 30% and 60% of earnings).
• A healthy free‑cash‑flow margin that can support future dividend enhancements.

Why Johnson & Johnson Fits the Bill

1. Unparalleled Dividend History

Johnson & Johnson boasts the most impressive dividend‑growth record in the S&P 500, having increased its dividend every year for 58 consecutive years. That kind of consistency translates into predictable income streams for investors, even amid market turbulence.

2. Strong Valuation Profile

At the time of writing, JNJ trades around $165 per share—a price that reflects a price‑to‑earnings (P/E) ratio of roughly 23, comfortably below the S&P 500’s average. Coupled with a price‑to‑book (P/B) ratio near 6.5, the stock offers attractive upside potential relative to its peers.

3. Resilient Business Model

J&J’s diversified portfolio spans consumer health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This breadth protects the company from sector‑specific shocks and supports stable cash flows. In 2023, the firm generated $85.5 billion in revenue and maintained a free‑cash‑flow margin of 35%, ensuring ample liquidity to fund dividend hikes.

4. Robust Free‑Cash‑Flow Cushion

With free cash flow of $19 billion in 2023 and a disciplined capital allocation strategy, JNJ has consistently generated excess cash that can be redirected into dividend growth, share repurchases, or strategic acquisitions.

5. Moderated Risk Profile

The article highlights JNJ’s low volatility (beta of 0.7) and a dividend yield of 2.5%—a sweet spot for income‑oriented investors. Additionally, the company’s strong balance sheet (debt‑to‑equity of 0.2) provides a cushion against potential downturns.

Market Context and Future Outlook

The piece frames JNJ’s dividend growth within the broader macro environment. With central banks tightening policy and global supply chains still recovering, companies with deep cash reserves and low debt are positioned to weather headwinds. The article notes that JNJ’s recent product launches—including the new Meningitis B vaccine and the MAVERIC blood‑pressure monitoring system—are expected to contribute incremental earnings, thereby reinforcing the dividend‑growth trajectory.

Furthermore, the article references a linked analysis on the “Dividend Growth Investing” strategy that outlines how dividend‑growth stocks can outperform during periods of low interest rates. Investors can take advantage of JNJ’s stable payout while also participating in upside from its core business.

How to Add JNJ to Your Portfolio

The article walks through the practical steps for acquiring Johnson & Johnson shares:

1. Open a brokerage account with a platform that offers commission‑free trading (e.g., Fidelity, Charles Schwab).
2. Research JNJ’s recent earnings report to confirm the company’s ongoing commitment to dividend increases.
3. Execute a buy order—consider a dollar‑cost‑averaging strategy to mitigate entry‑price risk.
4. Enable dividend reinvestment (DRIP) to compound earnings automatically.

Bottom Line

Johnson & Johnson exemplifies the qualities investors look for in a top dividend‑growth stock: a flawless dividend‑hike history, strong valuation, diversified revenue streams, and a resilient cash‑flow engine. By incorporating JNJ into an income portfolio, investors can secure a dependable yield while positioning themselves for continued dividend appreciation.

In the words of the Motley Fool’s featured analysis, “When you’re looking for a stock that not only pays but also keeps paying more over time, JNJ is the clear winner.”